Details

• Canada
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months

1. Preparation

For the application process at WU, my biggest advice is: make it personal. Do not just list achievements or repeat your CV. Instead, build a story around yourself. Think about what genuinely makes you stand out. What experiences shaped you? What motivates you? Why does this exchange make sense specifically for you? Selection committees read many applications, so authenticity matters. If you can clearly explain how the exchange fits into your academic goals, your personality, and your future plans, your application becomes much stronger. Show reflection, not just ambition. Tips for preparing your semester abroad 1. Bring proper warm clothing. If you are going to Canada (especially Ontario or Québec), be prepared for extreme winter temperatures. It gets very cold: much colder than most European students expect. Invest in proper winter gear: thermal layers, ski underwear, insulated boots, gloves, and a serious winter jacket. Do not underestimate the climate. 2. Bring essential medicine. Healthcare can be complicated, expensive, and slow. Waiting times can be very long. It is smart to bring important medication, basic cold/flu medicine, and anything you regularly need. 3. Prepare for a different academic system. The workload can be much higher than expected, with many assignments, participation requirements, and strict attendance rules. Plan your time realistically, especially if you want to travel. Staying organized from the beginning is significant.

2. Accommodation

Accommodation search experience: For finding accommodation, I strongly recommend using Facebook Marketplace. It was by far the most useful platform. Many students in Canada use Facebook groups and Marketplace to advertise rooms in shared houses. Compared to other websites, it felt more active and direct. You can easily contact landlords or current tenants and often get quick responses. My main tip: start early and actively message people, as good places are taken quickly. Accommodation type: I lived in a private shared house with seven Canadian roommates. It was not a student residence, but a typical Canadian student house. Living with locals was a valuable experience because I was directly exposed to Canadian culture, everyday habits, and social life. It helped me integrate faster and understand the local lifestyle better. Location, safety, and proximity to the university: The location was convenient in terms of distance. The house was about a 15-minute walk from the Smith School of Business, which made commuting easy, even during winter. However, safety was a mixed experience. While the area was generally student-based, there were noticeable issues with drug addicts in certain parts of the neighborhood. Unfortunately, packages delivered to our house were stolen more than once, and even bikes were taken from the property. This was something I had not expected before arriving. Tips I wish I’d known beforehand: My biggest advice: use Facebook for housing searches. It is the most effective tool. Secondly, try to live as close to campus as possible. Especially in winter, short distances make a huge difference. Finally, if you order packages, make sure someone is home when they arrive. Otherwise, there is a real risk they might get stolen. Being aware of these practical issues beforehand can save a lot of stress during your semester abroad.

3. Academic life at host university

Academic life was quite different compared to WU Vienna. There were significantly more assignments throughout the semester, plus midterms and final exams in most courses. The workload was constant, with regular submissions, group work, and participation requirements. Attendance was mandatory. However, despite the higher workload, it was easier to achieve good grades. If you stayed consistent and completed all assignments, strong results were very achievable. The teaching style was also better than at WU. Classes were more interactive, practical, and discussion-based. I would especially recommend International Business Negotiations by Shai Dubey – an excellent professor who teaches a lot about life. Overall, the Smith School of Business is a great choice if you are looking for a strong academic experience.

5. Every day life in the host country

There were many social events and a very active party culture, which made it easy to meet people. Student life on campus is lively and well organized. In addition, the sports options were excellent. The university offers great facilities and a wide range of activities. If you are into sports, you will definitely enjoy it. The city felt relatively safe, especially around campus. However, there were visible issues with drug addicts in certain areas. Public transport was unfortunately poor. I would strongly recommend getting a bike during the warmer months, as it makes getting around much easier.

6. Testimonial

My exchange was an amazing academic experience and gave me a true North American college experience. It was a shaping and truly worthwhile experience overall. However, I was somewhat disappointed by the overall quality of life in Kingston.